6 Best Ski Resorts in Pennsylvania, 2024/25
It doesn’t get much press in the ski and snowboard magazines, but Pennsylvania’s ski scene is alive and well. but its ski scene is thriving. Thanks to its Mid-Atlantic location, Pennsylvania is a go-to ski destination for visitors from West Virginia, New York and beyond. Whether you’re looking for night skiing, well-groomed beginner slopes, or terrain parks with jumps and rails, there’s a resort here for you. We did the legwork and found the six best ski resorts in Pennsylvania!
Table of Contents
Known for
Best combination of quality skiing and convenient location.
Highlights
Blue Mountain’s high-speed lifts keep wait times short, making it easy to maximize your time on the slopes.
40 trails spanning beginner-friendly slopes, long cruisers and some of Pennsylvania’s steepest black diamonds.
Great après-ski scene; unwind at Slopeside Pub & Grill or enjoy a cozy evening by the outdoor fire pits.
While lodging is off-site, nearby accommodations in Palmerton and the Poconos offer plenty of options.
Lift tickets are on the pricier side compared to Jack Frost and Camelback.
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: 7 Dec 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: 15 Mar 2025* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) - 16 miles (30 minutes)
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) - 67 miles (1 hour 30 minutes)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) - 71 miles (1 hour 30 minutes)
Why Ski Blue Mountain
All things considered, Blue Mountain has a nice balance of things most of us look for and takes our top spot. Blue Mountain is bigger than most of the other resorts in the popular Poconos region and offers more varied trails than most of its neighbors, offering the largest skiable terrain in the Poconos with 171 acres and 40 trails, in addition to Pennsylvania’s highest vertical drop at 1,082 feet. The mountain is home to five terrain parks, ranging from beginner-friendly jumps to expert-level features, plus some excellent glade skiing for those who love tree runs. Blue Mountain’s 100% snowmaking coverage ensures reliable ski conditions throughout the season.
The après-ski scene is lively, with Slopeside Pub and Grill offering craft beers, warm fire pits, and live music with stunning mountain views. Whether you’re carving down long intermediate runs or tackling the terrain parks, Blue Mountain delivers the ultimate Poconos skiing experience! Even though there’s no slopeside lodging, there are hotels, B&Bs and rentals very close by.
Known for
A little further away, a little less crowded, and a lot more like New England skiing.
Highlights
Minimal crowds and relaxed atmosphere.
Great value lift tickets—night skiing included.
180 acres of skiable terrain with 27 trails—mostly intermediate and advanced.
100% snowmaking coverage and excellent grooming.
Often listed among the best skiing in Pennsylvania for experienced skiers.
Limited amenities and older lifts.
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: 22 Nov 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: 22 Mar 2025* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) - 35 miles (1 hour)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) - 120 miles (2 hours 30 minutes)
Why Ski Elk Mountain Ski Resort
Elk Mountain Ski Resort in Pennsylvania is often considered the best ski resort in the Poconos for serious skiers. Its slightly longer drive from New York or Philadelphia keeps crowds lighter, and it boasts the highest lift-served terrain in eastern Pennsylvania, with a solid 1,000 feet of vertical. The bumps, steeps, and long groomers are some of the best in the area, and Elk tends to get better snow than the rest of the Poconos. A reasonably priced lift ticket adds to the appeal. Keep in mind: Elk is all about skiing—there are no off-slope activities or luxury lodges here. While there aren’t ski-in ski-out accommodations, nearby bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals (within 10 miles) offer charm and convenience.
Known for
Good vertical and advanced terrain conveniently close to Scranton.
Highlights
Easy access from I-81 makes it ideal for weekend warriors.
1,000 ft. vertical—among the highest in Pennsylvania.
Family-friendly with lessons and tubing plus a lively après scene.
Season typically runs mid-December through mid-March.
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: 6 Dec 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: 23 Apr 2025* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) - 4 miles (15 minutes)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) - 91 miles (1 hour 45 minutes)
Why Ski Montage Mountain
Montage Mountain Ski Resort, located approximately 8 miles from downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania, offers a vertical drop of 1,000 feet. With 35% of its 26 trails spread across 140 acres designated as advanced or expert, including challenging black diamond runs, it's a premier destination for skiing near Scranton. The resort also features a terrain park for freestyle enthusiasts. Beginners aren't left out; the summit ridge provides accessible green runs, allowing novices to experience more than just the bunny slope. Conveniently situated just off I-81, Montage Mountain's proximity to Scranton means visitors have easy access to a variety of dining and lodging options, from hotels to charming bed-and-breakfasts, perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes.
Known for
The largest ski resort in the Poconos
Highlights
Just 90 minutes from New York City and 2 hours from Philadelphia.
Boasts 39 trails, 16 lifts (including high-speed options) and a 1,082-foot vertical drop.
Top-rated family resort with extensive facilities, including a full-service ski school, snow tubing park, and Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark.
Ski and stay packages available, offering great value for families and groups.
Can get crowded on weekends and holidays.
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: 14 Dec 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: 2 Apr 2025* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) - 75 miles (1 hour 45 minutes)
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) - 35 miles (45 minutes)
Why Ski Camelback Mountain Resort
Camelback Mountain Resort is one of the most popular Poconos ski resorts, especially for families and beginners. Its renowned ski school and massive beginner-friendly area—complete with four magic carpets—make it a top pick for learning. Uniquely, the mountain has green runs accessible from the summit, giving novices a chance to explore more of the terrain. There are also three terrain parks for a variety of skill levels. What sets Camelback apart from these other resorts is its high-speed quads which helps keep all those people moving. Located less than two hours from NYC, Camelback also boasts snow tubing, an indoor water park, and numerous lodging packages—making it one of the best family ski resorts near New York City.
5. Blue Knob
Known for
The highest skiable mountain in Pennsylvania
Highlights
Home to the highest skiable elevation in Pennsylvania with some of the steepest ski trails in the state.
The Blue Knob NASTAR course is perfect for recreational racers.
Unique layout with ski-in ski-out parking and lodge located at the summit.
Cold, north-facing slopes help preserve snow conditions, especially on expert-level glades and blacks.
Close to Altoona, PA, with options for lodging, dining and après-ski.
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: 6 Dec 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: 20 Apr 2025* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Altoona–Blair County Airport (AOO) - 30 miles (45 minutes)
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) - 110 miles (2 hours)
Why Ski Blue Knob
Blue Knob boasts more than 1,000 feet of vertical—the highest summit of any ski resort in Pennsylvania—and some of the most challenging ski terrain in the state. Advanced skiers can explore glade skiing, moguls, a terrain park and even a small bowl. Its high elevation means more natural snow than most Pennsylvania ski resorts, but snow conditions can vary, so it’s worth checking the Blue Knob snow report before heading up. On off days, visitors can enjoy snow tubing in Pennsylvania or ride the nearby snowmobile trails. There are no high-speed lifts here, and the facilities on the slopes are dated. But for some of us, the lack of polish keeps the focus on the skiing! The nearby Alpine Village offers budget-friendly lodging and dining just minutes from the mountain.
Known for
Versatile ski area featuring top-class terrain parks in Pennsylvania and excellent base lodge facilities.
Highlights
One of the largest ski resorts in the state, Seven Springs ski resort boasts glade skiing and freestyle areas for every ability level.
The on-site bar and nightclub host après-ski parties in Pennsylvania that rival western resorts in energy,
Night skiing in PA doesn’t get much better—200 acres of terrain are fully lit after dark.
While amenities like rentals and dining are top-notch, they can be a bit pricey compared to other skiing in Pennsylvania.
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: 6 Dec 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: 30 Mar 2025* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Arnold Palmer Regional Airport (LBE) - 33 miles (1 hour)
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) – 72 miles (1 hour 30 minutes)
Why Ski Seven Springs Mountain Resort
With six terrain parks ranging from beginner rails to a 22-foot superpipe, Seven Springs Mountain Resort is considered one of the best ski resorts in Pennsylvania for freestyle riders. Spanning 285 acres with 33 slopes and trails, it offers a variety of terrain for all abilities, including advanced runs and glades for thrill-seekers. Beyond the slopes, guests can enjoy snowmobiling, sleigh rides, and snow tubing. For après-ski, the popular Foggy Goggle bar and late-night Matterhorn Club add to the lively atmosphere. Although it may be on the pricier side compared to other ski resorts near Pittsburgh, the resort’s ski-in ski-out lodging, diverse activities and on-site dining make it a top choice for a ski weekend in Pennsylvania.
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